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House extends optional K-3 vision screening program, adds volunteer immunity
Summary
First substitute Senate Bill 67 extends optional vision screening for kindergarten through third grade and provides limited immunity to volunteer screeners; supporters said the program has existed for decades and the House passed the bill 55'yes to 14'no.
The House on March 11 passed first substitute Senate Bill 67 to extend optional vision screenings for children through third grade and to provide immunity protections for volunteers who conduct screenings.
Representative Edwards, the House sponsor, said the bill extends the current voluntary screening program (previously offered K'2) to include third grade so children can be screened twice in early development. The bill also provides liability immunity to volunteer optometrists and parent volunteers who help with the screenings; school nurses are not covered by that immunity provision.
Representative Greenwood raised a fiscal concern, noting the fiscal note references a potential $1.4 million state cost if local education agencies stop providing services and the state had to assume them. Edwards clarified that the program has existed for decades, that the $1.4 million exposure would occur only if no volunteers or optometrists participated and schools still chose to participate (an unlikely scenario), and that the program remains optional for school districts. Representative Mathis said he supported broader screening but felt the bill was valuable. Representative Greenwood, after clarification, said he would change his vote in support.
The clerk recorded final passage of first substitute SB67 as 55 yes and 14 no; the bill will be returned to the Senate for signature.
